K-State funds trip to Italy as part of commitment to first-generation student success
From navigating college costs to finding community, being a first-generation student comes with its fair share of challenges. While the end goal is walking across the graduation stage, K-State is creating high-impact experiences for students during their time on campus. Spearheading this effort is the First-generation Student Center, which funded an inaugural study abroad experience to Italy for more than 20 students.
For many first-generation collegegoers, studying abroad isn’t on the radar.
“It’s quite crazy. I always knew I wanted to go to college, but as a first-generation college student, there are many questions,” said Grace Young, a junior in milling science and management. “I never thought I would leave the country, let alone be able to go to Italy and experience things I had only seen in history books.”
Overseas to Orvieto
Students were invited to apply for the trip through the First-generation Student Center. Once selected, a preparation course helped students learn about international travel.
“We read books from authors who had gone abroad for the first time to learn about things like language and cultural barriers,” Young explained. “That way, we’d be ready when we went abroad and were the outsiders.”
After a semester-long preparation, the group took on Italy.
“I was in awe of the historic and iconic artwork I got to see,” said Kirsten Ouellette, a senior in personal financial planning. “I had dreamed about traveling since I was young. This allowed me to achieve this dream with people in the same boat as me in college.”
During their stay in Orvieto and travels to Rome and Florence, students fully immersed themselves in the culture; they took pasta-making classes, visited the Colosseum and explored the Italian countryside. The opportunity was also a bonding experience for the group..
“I didn’t know anyone in my class. Then, during our trip, we became like siblings in a big, blended family,” said Kerston Sipes, a sophomore in education studies. “Many of the friendships and connections I made while on the trip I still have today.”
Next-gen K-State for first-gen students
The study abroad program is just a small portion of the recent advancements K-State has made to improve the first-generation college experience. Through this work, the university was named a Network Champion by FirstGen Success, an organization committed to advancing student experiences in higher education.
Twenty-five percent of Wildcats are the first in their family to attend college, which challenges K-State with opening doors and closing gaps for its first-generation students.
Reflecting on their first-generation experience, students shared a similar takeaway: K-State has made their college experience better than they ever imagined.
“This experience meant the world to me. It showed me that I am achieving my goals and breaking the cycle of sticking to the familiar,” Sipes said. “The resources here for first-generation students are amazing. It’s difficult navigating college life, but it’s nothing compared to reaching my goals and seeing the change I am making in my family with the help of K-State.”
Written By: Abbigail Marshall
